Combined Economic and Environmental Evaluations of Practice Adjustments (CEEEPA) in Sugarcane Growing

This research is about evaluating the economic profitability and environmental improvements that can occur when sugarcane growers transition to better growing practices. This project focuses on practice changes aimed at improving soil health, and builds on an earlier project that evaluated implementation of the sugar industry’s SmartCane best practices. It involves a series of case studies evaluating the economic and environmental implications of actual practice changes that have occurred at six farms in various regions of Queensland, using the FEAT and CaneLCA tools. The outputs are documented case study reports describing how the economic and environmental performance metrics have improved. The case studies are used by Queensland Government agricultural extension advisers to promote positive practice changes to other growers and to promote the industry’s sustainability efforts to the wider community.

Case studies published from this project thus far:
The economic and environmental impacts of managing soil health – Case study 1 (Herbert), Case study 2 (Burdekin), Case study 3 (Mackay).

Connolly, C., Renouf, M.A., Poggio, M., Thompson, M. 2018 Measuring the profitability and environmental implications when growers transition to Best Management Practices. Final Report.